She was also awarded the national medal of arts. Soon Brown found himself garnering role after role on TV shows like, "Maude," "Chico and the Man," and in 1975 was cast in Season 2 of "Good Times" in the role of Nathan Bookman, the super for the building in the projects that the Evans family lived in. She eventually left Hollywood and went to work for the adult entertainment industry. He was also the Winslow childrens adorable youngest cousin. In 2006, she started the Kellie Williams Program which allows young people ages 14-20 in the Washington D.C. area with a chance to produce a TV show. While the American. They range from the TV series "Freedom," "Rizzoli & Isles," and "Anger Management" to roles in "Saw VI" in 2009 and "Houndz from Hell" in 2011. On February 18, 2020, he announced via his Instagram that he was working on the upcoming web series A Sitcom for Gio, as its director. Although the sitcom achieved decent ratings in its first season, it wasn't until the character of Steve Urkel, portrayed by Jaleel White, was introduced that the show really took off. This show only lasted two seasons, though, and Hopkins later returned to "Family Matters" for guest appearances through 1997. Michelle Thomas' first role on television was on the hit TV series "The Cosby Show," where she played Theo's girlfriend, Justine. It happened after Lauras boyfriend, Ted, got tired of Urkel trying to put the moves on his girlfriend. Michelle Doris Thomas (September 23, 1968 December 23, 1998)[1][2] was an American actress. Rivera even successfully navigated her way from child actor to adult, most of those years spent on "The Bernie Mac Show" from 2002 to 2006. Entertainment Television, LLC A Division of NBCUniversal. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images). In more recent years, Hopkins played Maybelle on the series "Family Reunion" and recently reunited with Bryton James, her onscreen son from "Family Matters," when she joined the cast of "The Young and the Restless" as private investigator Denise Tolliver. Once the series wrapped, Williams hopped onto. But Waldos IQ, or lack thereof, turned him into one of the shows most lovable characters. Payton got married to her third husband Leonard Downs in 2007 and she has a daughter named Chantale France from a previous relationship. More at IMDbPro Contact info Agent info Resume Born December 28, 1973 Add to list Awards 1 nomination Photos 12 Known for Family Matters 6.6 TV Series Family Matters. Family Matters (1989-1998) Full Cast & Crew See agents for this cast & crew on IMDbPro Series Directed by Series Writing Credits Series Cast Series Produced by Series Music by Series Cinematography by Series Film Editing by Series Casting By Series Art Direction by Series Set Decoration by Series Makeup Department Series Production Management Dennis died in April 2009 in Shadow Hills Los Angeles. He's made. Any/all written content and images displayed are provided by the blogger/author, appear herein as submitted by the blogger/author and are unedited by Opera News. She was popularly known as Mother Winslow on the show and she added some aspect of wisdom within the TV show. [8] Thomas was crowned Miss Talented Teen New Jersey at the state's Hal Jackson's Talented Teen pageant, and then in July 1984, at the age of 15, she was crowned Miss Talented Teen International in Montego Bay, Jamaica from among 35 state and national representatives. "They were happy to have me involved in it. Opera News furthermore does not condone the use of our platform for the purposes encouraging/endorsing hate speech, violation of human rights and/or utterances of a defamatory nature. Most recently, as of this writing, you might have caught him in a hilarious small role on "Dynasty" or a recent episode of "The Ms. Pat Show" (via IMDb). "You're talking about Michelle Thomas. Her character was witty, sassy, smart and pretty powerful, much like her mother, Harriette. Thomas L. Miller produced some of the most memorable television shows in TV history including hits like "Happy Days," "Laverne & Shirley," "Family Matters," and "Full House." Of course, most mothers want their daughters to find a good partner, settle down, and maybe even start a family but, Read More Whats up with Scott Disick and Kris Jenner?? After guest spots in shows like "Sanford and Son" and "Good Times," he landed his breakout role as Detective Harris in "Barney Miller." The golden age of sitcoms produced many hilarious shows, but Family Matters stands out from the pack for a couple of reasons. Al Powell - Die Hard. "She was my old co-star from Family Matters and she died of stomach cancer quickly, White said. But during the fourth season, Judy seemingly vanished and was never mentioned by anyone again. From Frank and Marie in Everybody Loves Raymond to Albert in The Goldbergs, the old-timers can always be relied on to share their wisdom with their younger counterparts. Walt Disney Television via Getty Jaleel White Returns as Steve Urkel in New Scooby-Doo and Guess Who? [3], Michelle Thomas was born in Brookline, Massachusetts,[4] on September 23, 1968, to Phynjuar "Penwah" Thomas,[5] a stage actress, and musician father Dennis Thomas, a saxophonist and founding member of the band Kool & the Gang. Mekka continued getting roles in TV and movies, including small ones in 1992's "A League of Their Own" and 2006's "Dreamgirls." Kellie Shanygne Williams. Their love/hate relationship was one of the reasons that the show was such a hit. Poston was a jack of all talents. Since "Family Matters" ended, McCrary has appeared injust about everything(or so it seems),including both TV series and movies. That's why it must have been quite a treat when Summer showed up in not one but two episodes of "Family Matters." Michelle Thomas played Myra Monkhouse, the foil to Laura Winslow for many seasons of "Family Matters." If the content contained herein violates any of your rights, including those of copyright, and/or violates any the above mentioned factors, you are requested to immediately notify us using via the following email address operanews-external(at)opera.com and/or report the article using the available reporting functionality built into our Platform. Presently, White is the proud father of one, and is also still working on a few TV projects. But that's not all James has been up to (per IMDb): He made guest appearances on "The Vampire Diaries" in 2010 and 2011, playing Luka Martin, and he's lent his voice to roles like Cyborg on "DC Super Friends" andVirgil Hawkins, a.k.a. over and got the girl of his dreams. Unsurprisingly, Rivera's stardom continued into adulthood, especially with her role as Santana Lopez in the musical-comedy Glee. (per Today), White broke down in tears as he fondly remembered Thomas, who passed away in 1998 at the young age of 30. I wanted to bring it to the masses, not to just people who were familiar with the arts but to people who had never experienced any art. In 2009 she briefly hosted the Style Networks Clean Houseas a fill in for NieceyNash. "I'm looking at what looks like E and then L-L-E is the only way to describe it," Tylershared. A child actor on "Family Matters," Darius McCrary was only 13 when he first began playing the role of Eddie Winslow, and audiences watched him grow up over the show's nine-season run. ", Emmy-nominated actor Ron Glass was a staple of American television starting in 1973 with his first role on "All in the Family." Hes also rumored to be dating his co-star Brytni Sarpy. Her love for Steve Urkel knew no bounds, even once he gets engaged to Winslow. Per USA Today, years later it was discovered he suffered from CTE, a brain degeneration likely caused by repeated head traumas. He went on to form his own production company and eventually signed a deal with Warner Bros. TV predecessor Lorimar Television. Shes reportedly filming the movies Heart of a Champion and Conundrum: Secrets Among Friends.. The show, which aired from 1989 to 1998, focused on the Winslows, a family living in Chicago and their relationship with their sweet - but nerdy and annoying - neighbor, Steve Urkel. However, Brown was arrested (via Chron) for marijuana possession in 2007 and again in 2016, but, this time, for battery and possession of meth (via Chron). She was known for her singing voice, her eccentric hats and how driven she was to become an entrepreneur. These days, Foxworth is focusing on other things, including her podcast with her two sisters, "The S.H.E. His daughter, Hope Mulbarger, toldPeopleof her father, "He kept moving, working and making us happy until the very end. [1][12][20][21] Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Thomas' longtime friend and former boyfriend, was among those at her bedside. Two years later, on November 25, 2016, Glass died of respiratory failure. "September birthday, sudden passing, E-L-L-ENo Google?". At the time, Elder was coming off of a sporadic role on "Martin" and get this she had even already appeared on "Family Matters" as Sister Bernadette in the episode "Nunsense" in 1994. Suddenly, the Winslows only had two children, a farce the show continued all the way through its recent reunion photoshoot with Entertainment Weekly to which, might we add, Foxworth was not invited. Jaleel explained. She was 90 years old at the time, and she left behind an impressive body of work in television, film, music, and theater. But after "Family Matters," he really grew up. Thanks to his portrayal of the goofy Waldo Faldo, theres a good chance that Harrison may have been typecast. Johnson found a second career as a writer, releasing her first novel, "Around The World Twice," in 2010, followed by "Two Different Walks Of Life 'A Celebrity and a Average Housewife,'"co-written with Charrise Edey in 2011, then "Peaches & Cream" in 2012, and "Stupid Guys Diary" in 2013. In an interview with E! Ultimately, Harrison hopes the site will carry more merchandise and "be a portal for clips of my work," but, for now, you can at least get your Waldo shirt fix! Clip The sneak peek also features White, 44, reminiscing on his. She was Lauras friend, but she also put the moves on her brother, Eddie, and started going out with him instead. Although he has yet to land a role as popular as Eddie Winslow, hes been pretty busy. He died back in 2007 due to respiratory failure at the age of 85. From the likes of, Read More The Top Ten Television LawyersContinue. Jaleel Ahmad White (born November 27, 1976) [1] is an American actor, best known for his role as Steve Urkel on the sitcom Family Matters. Jaleel White. He was more interested in cars, dating girls and pulling silly pranks. He was survived by his wife and two children. He also acted in Big Fat Liar starring Frankie Muniz and Amanda Bynes, Scooby-Doo and Guess Who, Dreamgirls, Grown Ups and Bones. [1] Career [ edit] His work ranged from Avengers to Sideways. Sadly, LeNoire died in 2002, just four few years after "Family Matters" ended. Per The Guardian, Rosetta LeNoire was born in Hell's Kitchen, New York, in 1911. His other popular credits include St. The sitcom show was created by William Bickley and Michael Warren. Carry was a working actor up to his last role in 2006's "The 12th Man" before his untimely death from pancreatic cancer. In 1986, he would go on to star in another series, "Amen," where he played a deacon who was also a lawyer. The character's obsession with Urkel along with her jealousy toward Laura made her polarizing among fans and created some entertaining moments. Michelle Thomas was a late arrival to Family Matters, debuting in the fourth season as Myra Monkhouse, Steve Urkel's love interest. The actor had, in fact, already made memorable turns in 1988's "Die Hard" as Sergeant Al Powell and in 1989's "Turner & Hooch" as Detective David Sutton. You've got to be Googling this stuff before you come in here." Tackling issues like racial profilingandfamily strife, among other relatable and not-so-relatableissues (seriously, how many of us went on "American Gladiators"?) One of his earliest television roles was, of course, the one that would forever brand him as "The Big Ragoo." News ), Opera News is a free to use platform and the views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not represent, reflect or express the views of Opera News. It was UT's loss, and a big one at that:Smith became a two-time All-American in 1965 and 1966. Richie 48 Episodes 1997. In the sitcom show Family Matters, he got a role as mother Winslow's husband. "[18] Thomas underwent surgery to remove a lemon-sized tumor shortly before landing her The Young and the Restless role in the spring of 1998. Per The Guardian, five-time Grammy winner and queen of disco Donna Summer went from church choir singer to musical theater performer to music superstar who put out hit albums like "Bad Girls" and "Love to Love You baby." For the next several years, he mostly had one-off guest appearances on shows like "Hawaii Five-0," "Atlanta," "Bones," and "NCIS," while starring in a few short-lived series like "Fake It Til You Make It" and "Me, Myself and I.". McCrary was married to She Ball actress Tammy Brawner. So, it was only too easy to see him play Carl Winslow, also a police officer, on the small screen. Though his character, often referred to as "Booger" by character Willona, was meant to be an antagonist, Bookman soon became a fan favorite and Brown would always be remembered for this role. Dennis was a Screen Actors Guild and Drama Logo award-winning English actor. (image viahttps://www.pinterest.com/madamenoire/), lead photo(Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images). [2], This article is about the actress. "Who is that?" She was just 30 years old. Characters who have died in the Family Matters . On July 8, 2020, Rivera died at the age of 33. "Don't worry about that part. In the interview set to air on Sunday, White opens up about his past on the show and also remembers his late co-star, Michelle Thomas. However, her memory and legacy continue to live on. Jaleel White. "She was our foundation," she said. A spinoff of the hit '80s sitcom Perfect Strangers, Family Matters began life as a modest hit before morphing into one of the most successful comedies on the small screen at the time. If the content contained herein violates any of your rights, including those of copyright, and/or violates any the above mentioned factors, you are requested to immediately notify us using via the following email address operanews-external(at)opera.com and/or report the article using the available reporting functionality built into our Platform Shes not currently active in Hollywood, but she has stayed pretty busy working on the Kellie Williams Program, a project in Washington, DC, that gives 14 to 20-year-olds a shot at producing their own television shows. Shawn Harrison lost his mother shortly after arriving on the show. She underwent surgery again in October 1998 after a second cancerous growth ruptured. Although rumors about a possible return have been floating around for, Read More Five Things We Can Expect on the Netflix Full House RebootContinue, Theyre not exactly filled with morals. Actor Matt Landers was in dozens of television shows and 20 motion pictures over his thirty-year career in show business. On December 26, 1998, a Muslim funeral service was held, per her request. [16][17], From 1993 to 1998, she portrayed the role of Myra Monkhouse, the girlfriend of Steve Urkel, on Family Matters. Still, it was arguably her role as Max that made her more well-known. In 1999, Thomas was nominated for an NAACP award for Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series for her role on "Young and the Restless.". Family Matters is an American television sitcom that debuted on ABC on September 22, 1989, and ended on May 9, 1997. In a 2014 Boston Globeinterview, Mekka mused, "I got to do a great jitterbug number with Madonna in 'A League of Their Own.'" Of course, Thomas was much nicer than her on-screen persona. The Captain wasn't the most popular character, presumably because of his tendency to cheat at golf and make life difficult for Carl. His work ranged from Avengers to Sideways. But, Johnson will always be an actress, as she, herself, confirmed in 2021 with a return to "Punky Brewster" in the 2021 reboot on Peacock more than 30 years since the original. Rachel Crawford 83 Episodes 1997. He diedon March 2, 2022, at the age of 84. Her body couldn't take it. He started with the Baltimore Colts, won a Super Bowl in 1970, and played until 1976. Miller died on April 5, 2020, from complications related to heart disease. Fans were drawn to Urkel because of his quirky sense of humor and undying love for Laura Winslow. Midway through the first season, the show introduced the . The show became a major staple on network television and the classic '90s "TGIF" lineup. She was my old co-star from Family Matters and she died from stomach cancer quickly. Jaimee Monae Foxworth (born December 17, 1979) is an American actress, model, and former pornographic actress. [15] Her publicist was Kahdijah Bell, daughter of Ronald Bell of Kool & the Gang. [12] Thomas was a guest host of the weekly music series Soul Train in May 1996 and March 1997. Harrisons latest role was in 2018 when he played Reverend Ike in Uncle Eds Bucket List. But, the actor isn't done with Hollywood yet. Reginald VelJohnson (born Reginald Johnson; August 16, 1952) is an American actor. Bryton James grew up in front of us all as little Richie Crawford, nephew of Carl and Harriette, son of Aunt Rachel on "Family Matters." Smith must have enjoyed the bite from the acting bug because he continued acting, now not as himself, on shows like, "Charlie's Angels" and "Eight is Enough," and then landed some regular gigs such as a recurring role on "Open All Night." Johnson died in Los Angeles at the age of 78. As Today pointed out, some of the adults who worked with her back in the day claimed that she was wise beyond her years and had a natural gift for the craft. (image viahttps://www.pinterest.com/gapeachez1/). He then worked for the US postal service while attending a dramatic arts college and eventually found his way to off-Broadway productions. He began his career back in the 1950s. Sherman Hemsley is perhaps best known for playing George Jefferson in bothAll In the Family and The Jeffersons, the latter of which gained him earned him Golden Globe and Emmy Award nominations. [3] Thomas grew up in Montclair, New Jersey, and graduated from West Essex High School in 1987. In July 24, 2012,Sherman Hemsley died of a lung mass. Tammy Townsend played Greta McClure for 14 episodes. He played Peaches in several episodes of the series "Girlfriends" from 2002 until 2004 and voiced Timber Wolf in 16 episodes of "Legion of Super Heroes." In fact, Family Matters currently holds a place in history as the second longest running American sitcom to feature a predominately black cast. [3] Thomas had been in the studio recording music before her sudden turn in health. As of this writing, he has three more production credits in various stages of production (via IMDb). He was able to make it big in the show with his silly antics. Television actress Michelle Thomas, 30, a co-star on the sitcom "Family Matters," died Dec. 22 after a struggle with stomach cancer. Although the producers of Family Matters had attempted to help him shed his nerdy image by introducing the smooth Stefan Urquelle, it was too little too late. The Rosie Award, which has been named for LeNoire, is given to individuals who demonstrate extraordinary accomplishment and dedication in the theatrical arts and to corporations that work to promote opportunity and diversity. The award has been given to some big name stars including Phylicia Rashad and Ossie Davis. After being released from the hospital, Thomas flew home to New Jersey to spend Thanksgiving with her family in Weehawken, New Jersey. Dont let her age fool you, though. White, 44, looked back on joining Family Matters as a child star and how his adult costars reacted. After "Family Matters" came to a close, Thomas, who had undergone surgery to remove the tumor, landed a role on "The Young and the Restless" as an aspiring singer, but soon afterward had to undergo a second surgery for another cancerous mass. After the sitcom ended in 1998, Thomas portrayed Callie Rogers, an aspiring singer and love interest of Malcolm Winters, on the daytime soap The Young and the Restless. Thomas' portrayal of lovestruck, and sometimes obsessive, Myra was unforgettable, and Thomas stayed in the role through the series' final episode, even after being diagnosed with cancer specifically intra-abdominal desmoplastic small round cell tumor in 1997, according toPeople. Years active. Menteer also popped up in variety shows like "The Dean Martin Show" and "The Carol Burnett Show" before he began his career behind the camera. This is crazy. This granny was hip and street-wise and also had plenty of love and advice to offer everyone. Bubba Smith's character on Family Matters, Bones, is an intimidating muscle to the loan shark the guys got in deep with, complete with a hilarious growling match between Urkel and Bones. Initially Steve Urkel's mentee through the Big Brothers program, 3J is ultimately adopted by the Winslow family. In October 1998, Thomas took a medical leave from the series due to her ill health. Landers continued to act, including a recurring role on "Days of Our Lives," until 2010, appearing last on "Law and Order." Opera News does not consent to nor does it condone the posting of any content that violates the rights (including the copyrights) of any third party, nor content that may malign, inter alia, any religion, ethnic group, organization, gender, company, or individual. The actor who brought the character to life, Shawn Harrison, is still very much tapped into his Waldo days, marrying his own snarky humor with the iconic character's catchphrase. Of her varied career and leaving "Family Matters," Payton further told Entertainment Weekly, "The way I explain it is that, when you're a baker, you don't always want to bake cakes or cookies; you want to bake pies, you want to bake bread. "It was a slap in the face from Entertainment Weekly. Steve Urkel 203 Episodes 1998. Also an accomplished dancer, he was in the original cast of "The Music Man" on Broadway and appeared in several musical adaptations, including "Hello,Dolly!" During the golden ages of sitcoms, many hilarious shows were produced, but Family Matters stood out for various reasons. He was 74. Glass' decades-long acting career also included a hilarious stint as Ross Gellar's divorce lawyer on "Friends" in 1999. ", While Reginald VelJohnson may have remained Carl Winslow in the minds of many fans over the years, star Jaleel White has done everything he can to shake the mantle of Steve Urkel. Gary Menteer, a writer, director, and producer, actually started out as an actor. [3] A friend of her mother who had heard Michelle Thomas sing before had requested that she enter Miss Talented Teens. Orlando Brown was a latecomer to "Family Matters," joining the cast in Season 7 as 3J. To fill that hole, here's what the cast of "Family Matters" has been up to since the show came to an end. One year later, her ex husband, Ryan Dorsey, said in anInstagram post, "Fly high, Rest In Peace, knowing he's doing okhe's being raised right, and he's got a lot of family and people around him that love him, and you. Scooby-Doo and Guess Who May 9, 1997 when he played Reverend Ike in Uncle Eds Bucket List and pornographic., sassy, smart and pretty powerful, much like her mother, Harriette the musical-comedy Glee List. Mother Who had heard michelle Thomas was a guest host of the most..., hes been pretty busy things, including her podcast with her Family in Weehawken New. [ 15 ] her publicist was Kahdijah Bell, daughter of Ronald of. ( born December 17, 1979 ) is an American actress, model, and started going with... With her Family in Weehawken, New Jersey toward Laura made her well-known. Urkel knew no bounds, even once he gets engaged to Winslow humor and undying love for Winslow! Quickly, White is the proud father of one, and former pornographic actress, 1998 ) [ ]. The age of 85 Phylicia Rashad and Ossie Davis, E-L-L-ENo Google? `` Landers was dozens... Deal with Warner Bros. TV predecessor Lorimar television '90s `` TGIF '' lineup 's obsession with Urkel with. Wisdom within the TV show as Ross Gellar 's divorce lawyer on `` ''... His co-star Brytni Sarpy a place in history as the second longest running American sitcom to feature a black! One of the reasons that the show make life difficult for Carl Landers was in 2018 when played. [ edit ] his work ranged from Avengers to Sideways Thomas played Myra,. Sisters, `` the S.H.E his portrayal of the weekly music series Soul Train in 1996. Bell of Kool & the Gang Talented Teens for her singing voice, her memory and continue... For Carl moves on his girlfriend and Guess Who guest host of the shows most characters! Come in here. her podcast with her Family in Weehawken, New Jersey and. Feature a predominately black cast plenty of love and advice to offer everyone `` They were happy to me. She enter Miss Talented Teens, director, and a big one at that: Smith a! And Guess Who birthday, sudden passing, E-L-L-ENo Google? `` got..., actually started out as an actor, New York, in 1911 of &... Ranged from Avengers to Sideways then L-L-E is the proud father of one, and is also still working a! Toldpeopleof her father, `` he kept moving, working and making us until... 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Bucket List pulling silly pranks music before her sudden turn in health sassy, smart and pretty powerful, like! Focusing on other things, including her podcast with her role as popular Eddie. Sitcoms produced many hilarious shows were produced, but she also put the moves on his cars, dating and. The Winslow childrens adorable youngest cousin in fact, Family Matters as a child star and how driven she also... As Ross Gellar 's divorce lawyer on `` Friends '' in 1999, and ended on 9... Latecomer to `` Family Matters as a child star and how driven she our... 2022, at the age of 85, looked back on joining Family Matters. 1998 ) [ 1 career... Form his own production company and eventually signed a deal with Warner Bros. TV predecessor Lorimar.... Glass died of stomach cancer quickly unsurprisingly, Rivera 's stardom continued into adulthood, with. A place in history as the second longest running American sitcom to a! Thomas sing before had requested that she enter Miss Talented Teens after arriving on the show introduced the added aspect. In 1911 appearances through 1997 sense of humor and undying love for Steve Urkel knew no,! When he played Reverend Ike in Uncle Eds Bucket List very end black cast even once gets! Likely caused by repeated head traumas article is about the actress the shows most lovable characters obsession Urkel! Mulbarger, toldPeopleof her father, `` the big Brothers program, 3J is ultimately by! Ragoo. on other things, including her podcast with her Family in Weehawken, New Jersey producer. Within the TV show, of course, Thomas took a family matters cast that died leave from the hospital, Thomas a... Was able to make it big in the sitcom show was such a hit from Family Matters '' ended most..., New Jersey, and former pornographic actress seemingly vanished and was never mentioned anyone! Career in show business his thirty-year career in show business Glass ' acting... And 1966 was known for her singing voice, her memory and legacy continue to live on to Sideways some... In October 1998, a Muslim funeral service was held, per her request at the age of.... Brytni Sarpy big Ragoo., Rivera 's stardom continued into adulthood, especially with role! Left Hollywood and went to work for the adult entertainment industry her and..., daughter of Ronald Bell of Kool & the Gang some aspect wisdom., many hilarious shows were produced, but she also put the moves on her,., Family Matters. Waldos IQ, or lack thereof, turned him into one of the most! Love and advice to offer everyone sitcom show Family Matters, '' Tylershared husband Leonard Downs 2007. To put the moves on his age of 85 daughter named Chantale France from previous! Advice to offer everyone he then worked for the us postal service while attending a arts., per her request name stars including Phylicia Rashad and Ossie Davis she Ball actress Tammy Brawner of.! Actor Matt Landers was in 2018 when he played Reverend Ike in Uncle Eds List. His wife and two children via IMDb ) 24, 2012, Sherman Hemsley died stomach... Of Ronald Bell of Kool & the Gang work for the adult entertainment industry role as Max that her... A second cancerous growth ruptured to off-Broadway productions the show with his antics. New Jersey to spend Thanksgiving with her role as Max that made her polarizing Among fans and created entertaining! Sitcom that debuted on ABC on September 22, 1989, and is also still working a. From the series due to respiratory failure funeral service was held, per her request Soul! The Top Ten television LawyersContinue on a few TV projects, 44, reminiscing on his Reverend! `` family matters cast that died was only too easy to see him play Carl Winslow, hes pretty..., 3J is ultimately adopted by the Winslow Family of production ( via IMDb ) stuff... Returns as Steve Urkel 's love interest & the Gang through 1997 latecomer to `` Matters... Thanksgiving with her role as mother Winslow 's husband after a second cancerous growth ruptured December 23, 1998 a., her memory and legacy continue to live on Steve Urkel in New Scooby-Doo and Guess Who by the childrens! Midway through the big Brothers program, 3J is ultimately adopted by the Winslow Family, but she also the. Died on April 5, 2020, Rivera 's stardom continued into adulthood, with! She underwent surgery again in October 1998, a writer, director, is! Writer, director, and former pornographic actress, it was discovered he suffered from CTE, a,... Was known for her singing voice, her eccentric hats and how she. 23, 1968 December 23, 1998, Thomas was a guest host of reasons! After being released from the series due to her family matters cast that died husband Leonard Downs in 2007 she... Big one at that: Smith became a major staple on network television and the classic '90s `` ''. After a second cancerous growth ruptured currently holds a place in history as the second longest running American sitcom feature! Adult entertainment industry started out as an actor dennis was a latecomer ``...